If you're looking for a place to enjoy a leisurely stroll, run, or bike ride in the Oakland hills,…read moreShepherd Canyon is a nice park to check out. The park has a walking trail (known as the Montclair Railroad Trail) that is located just behind Montclair Village and is about 1.5 miles long (3 miles round trip). This trail is paved and almost completely flat, and it runs behind homes and through pretty tree groves. Aside from the paved trail, there's also a children's play area, large grassy field space, and a small scenic overlook. There are also several rest benches and some neat interpretive trail signs that detail the history of Shepherd Canyon. Apparently, this trail use to be an urban railroad and was also known as highway 77. Along the trail, you'll find an adorable community garden and a neat little area up on the hill where skateboarders test out their tricks. There are also helpful mile markers throughout the trail. Part of the trail runs along Skyline blvd through the upper hills neighborhood. It's pretty easy to connect to other popular regional parks from the trail at Shepherd Canyon Park such as Sibley, Huckleberry, and Redwood Regional Parks. Since the trail is flat and easy, you'll find a lot of young children, families, and elderly frequenting this trail. Since it's not as popular as the regional parks nearby, the trail isn't crazy busy and is mainly frequented by locals. I enjoyed my brisk walk through this quaint little park and trail, and will definitely be visiting again once the weather starts to warm up again.

This park is swamped on the weekend with soccer kids, moms and dads. During the week, it is a good,…read moreflat walking/running track for those who choose not to be too physically challenged. My favorite season here is late summer when the goat man sets up camp in his little trailer. He puts his chomping herd to work on vegetation management, so much more civilized than weed wackers. PS- Clean public restrooms here also.

Not sure why this park has below four stars. Sure, when I went on a walk it was a bit muddy, but…read morethat's expected after the rains. I went around 4:30pm during the week after putting it off since last July. It was a pleasant walk with lavender fragrant lavender bushes along the way. This walk leads onto the beach across from South Shore and I really wanted to keep going, but it was getting too dark. The pics I posted are from on the way back. Definitely worth checking out. I loved seeing all of the fur babies along the trail too!

Loved the visit this morning to my old 'running space', back when I was a very proud Alamedan with…read morea key to a door of a house in a veritable secret gem of small-town living in big-bad Bay Area! (my huge claim to fame is that I quite literally lived across the street from Xmas Tree Lane (Thompson). So cool every year walking with my coffee mug, and not having to bear the nutsoness of driving my way out of that mayhem. The region of Alameda between the main isle and Harbor Bay/Bay Farm island is a wonderland of nature and beauty, views and water, sea breeze and outdoor happiness. This little Towata park is found just before the bridge crossing over into Bay Farm, just off Otis Dr. Turn right into a space that allows for about 10 parked cars, and from there, enjoy the underpass to the blue pedestrian bridge which parallels the auto one, and enjoy the water from both sides!!! It's really very special, this ability to walk out toward the estuary side and see rabbits and chipmunks, and lizards too. Facing McAfee and the Oakland hills, I came to circle the golden round of Shoreline Park that juts into the water, taking a peek at the Aegean marina folk and the activity on their boats today. On the other side, after making the mile+ circle, one can opt to turn onto the wooden-planked bridge to cross over to the shores of Bay Farm Island.... with gorgeous views of the Bay... Lovely piece of Alameda enchantment. And awesome weather to boot.

Went to visit a friend who lives on Malcom Ave. On a beautiful day, we went for a walk with her…read moredog into Knowland Park which we have done several times. You can access the park at the end of several dead end streets off Malcom Ave. There are trails in the park that are adjacent to the backside of Oakland Zoo. Since our previous visit last July, where goats were in the area clearing out tall grass, the Zoo has since expanded into the Park with new fencing built to mark the new zoo boundaries. During our social distance walk, we were able to look through the double layer of fencing to see the bears in their lair. The views! You get gorgeous views from the East Bay across to the West Bay from SF down to the Peninsula. A peaceful park that is peaceful and not crowded. Great place for a walk with gorgeous views.

Heard about this spot from a coworker. Finally checked it out one afternoon with my husband…read more We entered the park from a dead end court in the neighborhood, taking the trails at random. Little did we know this area is up Above the back side of the Oakland Zoo. May be one of my new favorite open spaces to explore and unplug.

Amazing park. So peaceful and enjoyable to spend the weekend. Easy parking. Clean restrooms.read more

Currently, there is free parking during the week. This week and last week there are summer camps…read morereserving the beach area. There is no swimming right now. My kiddo loves to fish here. I walk the dog around the lake. The path is paved most of the way but along one side it is rocky. If mobility concerns are a thing for you, stick to the paved path.

A sweet experience that's more of a nature walk than an actual hike, though it starts with steps…read morefrom the Monterey Boulevard side of things. It took about an hour and was mostly flat with a few slight uphills here and there. Plenty of off-leash dogs, if that kind of thing bothers you. It doesn't bother me as long as they're friendly, and they were.

Perfect trail for city folk or children. If your a real outdoors person or have needs for longer…read moretrails for physical fitness - there are better places. The trail is peppered with numerous trolls. Kids and young at heart adults would love this sort of thing. The trolls are made of all different materials and so have varied personalities. There were countless trolls but I took a few photos of my favorites. City folk would love this place. If you are cooped up in a tiny two bedroom apartment with no back yard and no privacy this is just the place to go. Even though I've got a massive private backyard diligently maintained with lush landscaping I still enjoy this place. Came around sunset and the way light filtered through the branches of soaring redwoods was majestic. Lots of shady paths but they were a bit muddy - so don't wear your favorite Dunks. The entrance is hard to find and parking is mostly street. People walking here were friendly and many took their dogs. Kids seemed to enjoy the swing area toward the back best. Rocky's market area would be a perfect place to park. Then walk up the hill and look for the public hidden staircases. Elderly might have trouble with stairs. Wheelchair people I didn't see here. Moms with strollers - I'm not so sure - there are lots of roots and hills and parking might be a little ways away. If your blind be sure and bring a person who can tell you how beautiful things are. If a person was blind from birth I wouldn't know what to say. I once met a person as such and had a hard time describing anything as there is no point of reference ever. If you want to recreate this kind of feeling in your own backyard do as I do: Plant narrow evergreens around the entire perimeter of your yard. Then add some bird of paradise and palm trees. Presto! every time you enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning in your yard you have privacy and even in the winter it is green and beautiful.

Notable is the skyline views of San Francisco. Very new park near the brewery and 'spirit alley' -…read moreis that what they call it where Almanac is located? Come here for the views. Very pleasant in the evening when the sun is going down. Lots of new apartments in the area - and I suppose that is who this park is mostly for. This area used to be the old Navel Air station. It is slowly getting transformed one park and residence at a time. There is a lot of hidden areas here in the general area that most people probably don't know about. Scolaries food truck I think is one of the bigger highlights.

A great new park in Alameda!!…read more This park sprung up as a result of the Naval Base being shut down, as did all the nearby apartments.. This area is now called Alameda Point. This is a good park, located near the water. It's long, flat, and straight, seems like a good place for skateboarding or the like!! The art structure stands out here. Lots of places to sit here also. A very good addition to this area!!

EBMUD, Oakland I…read moredidn't want to mail in my water bill so I came by to drop it off instead and the staff that helped me was very helpful. Would recommend it whenever in the area.

I've been on EBMUD watershed trails before but never wrote a review, searched and someone already…read morestarted one so here is mine. Hiked Sat 11.28.20 Chabot Staging Area EBMUD Watershed. You need a permit to hike in here, my friend has one so I tagged along. There's one pit toilet, make sure you bring your own tp cuz not always available. No drinking water here. We started on the Ramage Peak Trail to Dinosaur Trail. To Dinosaur Peak it's 2.2 miles one way. It's got lots of steep hills to climb, at least it's short. Nice rocks that look like the back of a dinosaur, worth it for the photos. On the way back we did 1 mile each way on Ramage Peak Trail where trail split. It's close to me since I'm in Fremont and Castro Valley Is only 30min each way.

Found this place from a good neighbor, and lo and behold, it did not disappoint. It is an off…read moreleash dog park where you can let your dogs run free on top of Oakland Hills. The cool part is there are several hills that goes up and down. Great workout both for the dogs and humans. It's not huge, but if you go around twice you can get a good cardio workout and you'll start sweating. I know I did. Be aware though that there are quite a few poop off the side of the trails so just be mindful. Try to look where you're stepping into. Bring your dog poop bags as there are non available. There is one trash can that's towards Sunkist Dr/McCormick entrance. There are no official parking, but plenty of neighborhood street parking in the area about half or a block away. I met a few neighbors while I was up there and they shared there were two other spots of entry. I am not sure exactly as I am still fairly new to the area, but I'd give it a try for your dogs if you live nearby. Cheers!

Exciting place to walk yourself or to walk your dog and feel like you're on top of Oakland. The…read moreviews are great! I'm glad I learned about this space.